The Fulkerson osteotomy is an operation to re-align the tibial tuberosity antero-medially to alter the direction of the forces going through the kneecap.

Page updated June 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

fulkerson osteotomy
The patellar tendon is both medialised (moved towards the inner aspect) and brought anteriorly (moved forwards).

 

Why realign the tibial tuberosity?

Some patients who are experiencing pain in the front of the knee, or patellar instability, may be found to have poor alignment of the various anatomical structures that allow the knee to straighten.

For example, the attachment of the patellar tendon to the tibia may not line up well with the groove in which the patella tracks.

Realigning the tibial tuberosity (tibial tubercle) is not a procedure to be undertaken lightly because complications are possible.

 

Back to top

 

What is distal realignment?

The Fulkerson osteotomy is one of a group of procedures to realign the patella (kneecap) distally (ie the lower end of the patella-tendon complex).

The tibial tubercle is fixed in its new position with screws.

Other distal realignment procedures include:

 

Back to top

 

Forum discussions

Back to top

 

Synonyms: 
Fulkerson procedure
Anteromedialisation of the tibial tubercle
Distal realignment
-

Dr Sheila Strover (Editor)
BSc (Hons), MB BCh, MBA

See biography...